Voters emphatically pass school bond

Plans begin for new high school, intermediate school

Elena Ruiz — Headlight Photo
Harvielee Moore, Deming Public Schools superintendent, gives the thumb's up gesture upon learning the School Obligation Bond was passed by Luna County voters, nearly 2-to-1.

Luna County voters made their voices heard tonight passing the general obligation bond in a Tuesday election. A crowded room at the Luna County Clerk's Office located at 700 S. Silver St. was made up of Deming Public Schools staff, school board officials, students and residents who all waited anxiously for Luna County Clerk Andrea Rodriguez to read the unofficial results. A sudden a burst of cheers erupted as the results were read in favor of the school bond.

"We are all so excited. This means that we will move forward with our commitment to build quality schools for all children," said DPS Superintendent Harvielee Moore. "It means the community has supported the request...We cannot thank you all enough."

The $27 million bond proposal will construct two new schools. The larger construction project will be a rebuild of the high school with an estimated cost of $73,500,000. State funding will kick in $51,750,00.

The second project will be the replacement of the Deming Intermediate School (sixth grade level) at a new location near the Old Lordsburg Highway and Florida Street. The estimated cost of $17,700,000 will generate $5,250,000 from bond proceeds and the remaining balance of $12,450,000 will be funded through a state grant.

The school bond passed with an unofficial tally of 1,500 voters in favor of the bond and 823 who opposed. A total of 2,323 residents went to the polls.

A break down for each polling place was:

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• Mimbres Valley Learning Center, 402 in favor and 288 opposed.

• Holy Family Parish Hall, 519 in favor and 172 opposed.

• Columbus Library, 72 in favor and 33 opposed.

• Early voters, 442 in favor and 277 opposed.

• Absentee voters, 65 in favor and 53 opposed.

According to Moore, the first phase of the bond project will be a planning phase, allowing architects and planners to finalize both projects and ensure the construction phase can begin.

Tuesday's election was the first county attempt to use the new Voting Convenience Centers (VCC). Rodriguez was pleased with the overall performance of the centers. "It was a good choice to bring the convenience centers to the county," said Rodriguez, "It's only going to get better."

Rodriguez reported no major issues at the polling places in the election.

"It's a really big deal for the kids in our community," said DPS board president Bayne Anderson, "...Very important for the community. It shows the community wants the best and is looking out for the interest of our kids. I think it might even draw in new business."

Angie Munoz, DPS clerical receptionist, brought her children to the courthouse to hear the results. "I was very happy and excited that my kids are going to have a great school," said a visibly emotional Munoz. "I am glad people listened to the kids' needs."

Residents and school staff celebrated the passing of the school bond hugging and thanking everyone for their hard work.

Ray Trejo, DPS director of student services, said, "I am just over-joyed that the community came out to support the school bond. We have been doing a fantastic job trying to maintain our buildings, but it's time. It's going to offer our kids 21st century technologies."

Trejo does admit to being nervous over the results, but was confident the community would ultimately support the bond.

"I would like to thank the courthouse with the use of the convenience centers," said Trejo. "Its really iconic for our community. We really needed this."

"We begin day one tomorrow," Anderson said. "...Lets enjoy it tonight. We have a lot to do in the next year. It's a very positive thing for Deming Public Schools."